Question for the ladies - mammogram callback

[mom2rtk]

Update: it was scar tissue. I guess on one image it looked different so today when they did the mammogram it looked less worrisome. And the ultrasound confirmed it was scar tissue. Thanks to all for the encouragement!

Great news! Time to exhale and move on!

 

[720L]

So happy for you!

 

[TheIncredibles!]

Since you are asking I am going to give you my story.

Many here say not to worry, which is great that everything was fine with them, however it wasn't with me. I had my annual mammogram at the age of 45 and got the call to come back. EVERYONE told me it is totally normal and not to worry at all. I had no family history. I had the biopsy and it was breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and that was it because all felt we got it very early and it was Stage 0. Fast forward to the next year when I had my first mammogram since being diagnosed - cancer was back! UGH! I had two more surgeries and 7 weeks of radiation.

I've been 5 years cancer free. My next mammogram is in March. I won't lie - I get scared every single year when I go.

Best of luck to you!

We are telling her not to worry because MOST people really do have nothing to worry about. Call backs are perfectly normal and there is no reason to scare people with possibilities because those are already on their mind. Everybody's very first though ALWAYS goes to cancer. We don't need to remind the OP it's a possibility but it's ok to tell her what the probabilities are to help her. Thankfully it looks like she is fine.

 

[Skippy918]

For those wondering about coverage, it's about what's required to be covered under the guidelines set up by the ACA. Preventive care, including routine screening mammograms, is required to be covered at 100%, without triggering the deductible. The minute there's something detected, it's no longer routine so it's covered, just subject to deductible and coinsurance like anything else. For those with a high deductible plan (more and more common) that can be just like not having coverage (since the deductible is often more than the test).

If you can move to a 3D mammogram for your screening, it's a good idea. Because they capture more information in that initial screening. If you have the old traditional (2D?) mammogram and have to call you back for more images, that's no longer covered as preventive care.

My doctor’s office does everyone’s screening with the 3D machine. Insurance covers it.

 

[Poohbear538]

I went in for my annual well woman visit today and made my appointment for my mammogram for Saturday. Even though there was nothing out of the ordinary found on my visit, I am super nervous about the mammo. Same every year for 21 years now. (Wow, to write that out makes me feel old LOL!) I was pleasantly surprised that the imaging location was open on Saturdays and had appointments available for this Saturday. I wish they would still cover the diagnostic mammograms for me but since there has been nothing on my charts for 10+ years they won’t cover it... Mom has had breast cancer 3 times and I’ve had 2 biopsies so I get anxiety waiting. I really dislike dealing with insurance companies.

 

[mom2rtk]

I went in for my annual well woman visit today and made my appointment for my mammogram for Saturday. Even though there was nothing out of the ordinary found on my visit, I am super nervous about the mammo. Same every year for 21 years now. (Wow, to write that out makes me feel old LOL!) I was pleasantly surprised that the imaging location was open on Saturdays and had appointments available for this Saturday. I wish they would still cover the diagnostic mammograms for me but since there has been nothing on my charts for 10+ years they won’t cover it... Mom has had breast cancer 3 times and I’ve had 2 biopsies so I get anxiety waiting. I really dislike dealing with insurance companies.

Is your health plan not ACA compliant? Because that requires 100% coverage for preventive services (with no deductible) which includes regular screening mammograms.

 

[Poohbear538]

Is your health plan not ACA compliant? Because that requires 100% coverage for preventive services (with no deductible) which includes regular screening mammograms.

To be honest I am not sure what the deal is. I get so frustrated with insurance companies and doctors offices. Today I called the imaging center as well as the insurance company and the imaging place said they have seen it not be covered then the insurance place said it should be covered but they couldn’t tell me until they got the bill from the imaging place. They said it depends on how it’s written in the script and how it is entered into the system by the imaging place. It’s just so frustrating to have feel like you have to have some sort of medical transcription degree in order to read things and talk knowledgeably about what you are getting to the insurance company.

Sorry for the run on sentence, it just flowed from my brain that way.

 

[mom2rtk]

To be honest I am not sure what the deal is. I get so frustrated with insurance companies and doctors offices. Today I called the imaging center as well as the insurance company and the imaging place said they have seen it not be covered then the insurance place said it should be covered but they couldn’t tell me until they got the bill from the imaging place. They said it depends on how it’s written in the script and how it is entered into the system by the imaging place. It’s just so frustrating to have feel like you have to have some sort of medical transcription degree in order to read things and talk knowledgeably about what you are getting to the insurance company.

Sorry for the run on sentence, it just flowed from my brain that way.

They probably are just being cautious in how they phrase it for you. For example, if the screening mammogram is covered 100% but they detect something and it gets coded as something other than preventive, then it's no longer 100% coverage. I look at it this way though. If they find something, then it's worth every penny to know early and get it investigated while it's still early.

It's like this when I have gone for a colonoscopy. It's covered when it's coded as preventive. But the minute they discover something and remove it, it's no longer preventive, gets coded differently, and triggers deductible and copayments. But it's well worth it to have caught something serious early.

 

[North of Mouse]

It’s that time of year for me. Had my annual mammogram and automated ultrasound yesterday. Today they called back and said they noticed changes so I have to go back. Of course I’m an now freaking out (I have extreme health anxiety). Who has had this same thing happen and it was fine? I have gained 35 lbs since my last one last January.

I can relate to your anxiety. I, too, was called back a few years ago for 'suspicious' changes. The 2nd one was fine. Just a suggestion tho - since I started having the 3-D mammograms there have been no call backs. They're much more accurate.
I also had to have a needle biopsy once - no pain, just extreme anxiety.

 

[Poohbear538]

They probably are just being cautious in how they phrase it for you. For example, if the screening mammogram is covered 100% but they detect something and it gets coded as something other than preventive, then it's no longer 100% coverage. I look at it this way though. If they find something, then it's worth every penny to know early and get it investigated while it's still early.

It's like this when I have gone for a colonoscopy. It's covered when it's coded as preventive. But the minute they discover something and remove it, it's no longer preventive, gets coded differently, and triggers deductible and copayments. But it's well worth it to have caught something serious early.

I 100% agree with this. It is what saved my Mom 3 times now and why I’ve been going since I was 26. I just remember a time when healthcare was easier to deal with. Thanks for the insight. It helps re-focus me when I hear things like this.

 

[TLSnell1981]

OP glad you received a good report!

Hi. When I asked, I was told that they were the same except the diagnostic they read the images immediately. Unfortunately my insurance will not cover a diagnostic unless there is something there. I used to always get a script for a diagnostic with ultrasound because of my history but with insurance the way it is now a days...

Yep and if something is there...a different code and fee. Mine are covered but with a hefty deductible and/coinsurance payment. OOP continues to increase.each year

 

[CynBeth]

I just went for a diagnostic mammogram today which was a callback after having my first one ever. The PA I just started seeing said not to worry a lot of people have dense breasts there was nothing concerning on the report but I was still petrified even with no family history. I did not need an ultrasound after the radiologist looked was told I was good to leave and should come back in 6 months but was not told why. I was so happy plus I needed to have a scan for another issue right before and did not even think to question the need for it. I can ask my PA when she calls about my other results.

 

[Poohbear538]

I just went for a diagnostic mammogram today which was a callback after having my first one ever. The PA I just started seeing said not to worry a lot of people have dense breasts there was nothing concerning on the report but I was still petrified even with no family history. I did not need an ultrasound after the radiologist looked was told I was good to leave and should come back in 6 months but was not told why. I was so happy plus I needed to have a scan for another issue right before and did not even think to question the need for it. I can ask my PA when she calls about my other results.

Glad to hear your ok. It’s definitely scary. hope everything else goes good!

 

[tinatark]

Yes we have a $10,000 deductible . So basically I don't have insurance.

Yes, but how much cheaper is the 10K deductible than a plan with a much lower deductible? The cost savings typically offsets the higher deductible.

 

[DisneyOma]

I’m glad you are ok, but this has me terrified. I’m trying to remind myself it isn’t a death sentence and I’m doing the right thing by getting tested every year. With my health anxiety I always jump to worst case scenario and forget about best case.

I have extremely dense breast tissue and seem to spend hours at the breast health center. First I get the mammogram, then they look at it while I wait (and get super anxious) and then I need it done on one side again (now I'm really anxious) and then they say I need an ultrasound. This has happened to me 3 times now, and I've had two needle biopsies done, both came back benign tissue. I have titanium markers in there now too. I also jump to worst case scenario - and it's been such a relief to be wrong! This last time they talked about how this one area is so dense they can't get a really good look at it, and I have to return (yet again) for a 6 month redo of the area, and would I like an MRI done too? I'm thinking yes now, just so I don't stew over it all for 6 months.

Update: it was scar tissue. I guess on one image it looked different so today when they did the mammogram it looked less worrisome. And the ultrasound confirmed it was scar tissue. Thanks to all for the encouragement!

Yay for scar tissue!

My second needle biopsy was done in an area where I'd had a massive cyst before. I have lots of cysts, on top of the dense breast tissue. The cysts can leave all kinds of great oddities for them to poke at it seems? Mine was most likely the scar left when they drained the cyst.

I've gotten used to how a cyst feels, but got lectured by the radiologist this time that all new spots, even ones that feel completely like a cyst to me, should be checked out. That could mean I'd be there every month, which is not happening.

 

[720L]

I have extremely dense breast tissue and seem to spend hours at the breast health center. First I get the mammogram, then they look at it while I wait (and get super anxious) and then I need it done on one side again (now I'm really anxious) and then they say I need an ultrasound. This has happened to me 3 times now, and I've had two needle biopsies done, both came back benign tissue. I have titanium markers in there now too. I also jump to worst case scenario - and it's been such a relief to be wrong! This last time they talked about how this one area is so dense they can't get a really good look at it, and I have to return (yet again) for a 6 month redo of the area, and would I like an MRI done too? I'm thinking yes now, just so I don't stew over it all for 6 months.



Yay for scar tissue!

My second needle biopsy was done in an area where I'd had a massive cyst before. I have lots of cysts, on top of the dense breast tissue. The cysts can leave all kinds of great oddities for them to poke at it seems? Mine was most likely the scar left when they drained the cyst.

I've gotten used to how a cyst feels, but got lectured by the radiologist this time that all new spots, even ones that feel completely like a cyst to me, should be checked out. That could mean I'd be there every month, which is not happening.

I get it. If I called the Dr for every lump I feel it would be monthly!

 

[mickeyboat]

Sorry to resurrect this zombie thread, but I wanted to let you all know that I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with mammogram callbacks. I just had one which confirmed a cyst, but reading your posts helped me feel a lot better while I was waiting.

 

[Owlpost23]

Sorry to resurrect this zombie thread, but I wanted to let you all know that I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with mammogram callbacks. I just had one which confirmed a cyst, but reading your posts helped me feel a lot better while I was waiting.

There's no time limit on feeling a sense of relief.

 

[Hisgirl]

This is a good thread.

I had my mammogram a couple of weeks ago and had a call-back for an ultrasound. Very normal for me and my dense breasts. I did have one small benign thing removed over 30 years ago and do have 1-2 females in my whole family who had it.
I have to get a needle biopsy in a week....Thursday...and yes, I'm nervous. Mama died four months ago and I feel lost without that older loved one reassuring me. It's scary.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

This is a good thread.

I had my mammogram a couple of weeks ago and had a call-back for an ultrasound. Very normal for me and my dense breasts. I did have one small benign thing removed over 30 years ago and do have 1-2 females in my whole family who had it.
I have to get a needle biopsy in a week....Thursday...and yes, I'm nervous. Mama died four months ago and I feel lost without that older loved one reassuring me. It's scary.

Statistically it is probably the same thing you had removed years ago. Once you have one, you tend to have more.